Providing minimum and maximum bandwidth for a user communication

ABSTRACT

A processing system receives and processes telecommunication signaling for a user communication to determine a minimum bandwidth and a maximum bandwidth for the user communication. The processing system transfers control information indicating the minimum bandwidth and the maximum bandwidth for the user communication to a routing system. The routing system receives the control information and the user communication, and in response, transfers the user communication over a first communication path and a second communication path. The first communication path supports the minimum bandwidth, and the second communication path supports the maximum bandwidth.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/487,147; filed Jan. 19, 2000; entitled “Data Calls Using Both Constant Bit Rate and Variable Bit Rate Connections”; and which is hereby incorporated by reference into this patent application.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] The invention is related to the field of communication systems, and in particular, to a system that provides data calls using both constant bit rate and variable bit rate connections.

[0006] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0007] Telecommunication providers use broadband systems to carry data calls. Data calls are calls that are established to carry primarily data instead of voice. One example of a data call is a call originating from a computer through a modem for web surfing. Data calls can carry voice such as through a data call established for video conferencing.

[0008] The broadband system must efficiently use the bandwidth for all types of calls to improve overall call performance. One prior solution determines the bandwidth on a call by call basis. FIG. 1 depicts a system level block diagram in an example of a prior solution. The prior solution is disclosed in a pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/304,379, entitled “System and Method for Configuring Bandwidth Transmission Rates for Call Connections”, filed on May 4, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In FIG. 1, a communication system 100 comprises a call processing system 130 and a call processing system 150. The call processing system 130 and the call processing system 150 are disclosed in a pending U.S. patent application, entitled “System and Method for Processing a Call”, filed on Nov. 5, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The call processing system 130 comprises a signaling processor 132 and a routing system 134. The call processing system 150 comprises a signaling processor 152 and a routing system 154. A communication device 110 is connected to the signaling processor 132 and the routing system 134. The signaling processor 132 is connected to the routing system 134 and the signaling processor 152. The signaling processor 152 is connected to the routing system 154 and a communication device 160. The communication device 160 is connected to the routing system 154. The routing system 154 is connected to the routing system 134.

[0009]FIG. 2 depicts a message sequence chart that depicts the operation of the communication system 100 depicted in FIG. 1. To initiate a data call, the communication device 110 transmits an Initial Address Message (IAM) in Signaling System #7 (SS7) to the signaling processor 132. The signaling processor 132 processes the IAM and determines the bandwidth for the call based on the IAM. The signaling processor 132 transfers the IAM to the signaling processor 152. The signaling processor 132 generates and transmits a first control message identifying the bandwidth for the call to the routing system 134.

[0010] The signaling processor 152 processes and transfers the IAM to the communication device 160. The signaling processor 152 generates and transmits a second control message to the routing system 154 based on the IAM. Subsequent SS7 signaling messages for call setup such as address complete messages are not shown for the sake of clarity. The routing system 134 receives the call from the communication device 110. The routing system 134 processes the first control message and routes the call to the routing system 154 based on the first control message. The routing system 154 processes the second control message and routes the call to the communication device 160 based on the second control message.

[0011] The data call is made up of N×56K or N×64K connections between the communication device 110 and the routing system 134. The N×56K or N×64K connections are identified by a session identification number. Between the routing system 134 and the routing system 154, the call uses one constant bit rate connection for each N×56K or N×64K connection for the duration of the call.

[0012] Typically, the actual bandwidth needed for the data call varies. One problem is the quality of the call is degraded when the actual bandwidth for the data call is greater than the allocated bandwidth. Another problem is unused allocated bandwidth is not utilized when the actual bandwidth is less than the allocated bandwidth. If the data call is not utilizing the unused allocated bandwidth, then this bandwidth could be utilized by other calls.

[0013] Variable bit rate connections have been used for calls between asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switches. The call uses only as much bandwidth as needed with the remaining bandwidth being allocated to other telecommunication services. Unfortunately, call processing systems do not effectively use both constant bit rate and variable bit rate connections for data calls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A processing system receives and processes telecommunication signaling for a user communication to determine a minimum bandwidth and a maximum bandwidth for the user communication. The processing system transfers control information indicating the minimum bandwidth and the maximum bandwidth for the user communication to a routing system. The routing system receives the control information and the user communication, and in response, transfers the user communication over a first communication path and a second communication path. The first communication path supports the minimum bandwidth, and the second communication path supports the maximum bandwidth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a system level block diagram in an example of a prior solution.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a message sequence chart in an example of a prior solution.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a system level block diagram in an example of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a system level block diagram of a communication system in an example of the invention.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a message sequence chart for the operation of a communication system in an example of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] First Call Processing System and Second Call Processing System

[0021]FIG. 3 depicts a system level block diagram in an example of the invention. A communication device 300 is connected to a first call processing system 310 by a first call link 302. The first call processing system 310 is connected to a second call processing system 320 by a second call link 312. The second call processing system 320 is connected to a communication device 330 by a third call link 322.

[0022] The communication device 300 and the communication device 330 could be any device configured to exchange calls. Some examples of the communication device 300 and the communication device 330 are customer premises equipment (CPE), a service platform, a switch, and a remote digital terminal. CPE can be, for example, a telephone, a computer, a facsimile machine, or a private branch exchange. A service platform can be, for example, any enhanced computer platform that is capable of processing calls. A remote digital terminal is a device that concentrates analog twisted pairs from telephones and other like devices and converts the analog signals to a digital format known as GR-303.

[0023] The first call processing system 310 could be any system that is configured to (1) receive signaling for the data call, (2) process the signaling to generate a first instruction to set up a constant bit rate connection for the data call between the first call processing system 310 and the second call processing system 320, and (3) process the signaling to generate a second instruction to set up a variable bit rate connection between the first call processing system 310 and the second call processing system 320. One example of the signaling for the call is an Initial Address Message (IAM). The LAM could be in Signaling System #7 (SS7) or C7.

[0024] The second call processing system 320 could be any system that is configured to exchange calls with the first call processing system 310 through a constant bit rate connection and variable bit rate connections and exchange calls with the communication device 330.

[0025] In operation, the communication device 300 transmits signaling for a data call to the first call processing system 310 to initiate the data call. The first call processing system 310 receives the signaling for the data call. The first call processing system 310 then processes the signaling to generates a first instruction to set up a constant bit rate connection for the data call between the first call processing system 310 and the second call processing system 320. The first call processing system 310 then processes the signaling to generate a second instruction to set up a variable bit rate connection between the first call processing system 310 and the second call processing system 320. The first call processing system 310 then extends the signaling for the data call to the second call processing system 320. The second call processing system 320 then extends the signaling for the data call to the communication device 330. The communication device 300 transfers data to the first call processing system 310. The first call processing system 310 transfers data to the second call processing system 320 via the constant bit rate connection and the variable bit rate connection. The second call processing system 320 then transfers the data to the communication device 330. If desired, the first instruction and second instruction could be combined into one instruction.

[0026] Call Processing Systems with Signaling Processors and Routing Systems

[0027]FIGS. 4-5 disclose one embodiment of the invention, but the invention is not restricted to the configuration provided below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous variations in a communication system configuration and operation that are within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate how the principles illustrated in this example can be used in other examples of the invention. A particular reference number in one figure refers to the same element in all of the other figures.

[0028]FIG. 4 depicts a system level block diagram of a communication system 400 in an example of the invention. The communication system 400 comprises a call processing system 430 and a call processing system 450. The call processing system 430 comprises a signaling processor 432 and a routing system 434. The call processing system 450 comprises a signaling processor 452 and a routing system 454. A communication device 110 is connected to the signaling processor 432 and the routing system 434. The signaling processor 432 is connected to the routing system 434 and the signaling processor 452. The signaling processor 452 is connected to the routing system 454 and a communication device 160. The communication device 160 is connected to the routing system 454. The routing system 454 is connected to the routing system 434 via a call link 442. The call link 442 is comprised of a constant bit rate connection 444 and variable bit rate connections 446.

[0029]FIG. 5 depicts a message sequence chart for the operation of the communication system 400 in an example of the invention. To initiate the call, the communication device 110 transmits an Initial Address Message (IAM) in Signaling System #7 (SS7) to the signaling processor 432. The signaling processor 432 processes the IAM and identifies the call as a data call based on the information in the IAM. Because the call is a data call, the signaling processor 432 identifies the minimum rate based on the information in the IAM. In one embodiment of the invention, the minimum rate is based on the Bearer Capacity parameter of the IAM. The minimum rate is the lowest acceptable rate of data transfer for the data call. The signaling processor 432 determines the burst characteristics of the data call from the information in the IAM. The burst characteristics are the information associated with the maximum rate that the data call can achieve. The signaling processor 432 transfers the IAM to the signaling processor 452. Based on the processing of the IAM, the signaling processor 432 then generates and transfers a first instruction to the routing system 434 to set up a constant bit rate connection 444 between the routing system 434 and the routing system 454 via the call link 442. The first instruction indicates the minimum rate for the data call. Based on the processing of the IAM, the signaling processor 432 generates and transfers a second instruction to the routing system 434 to set up a variable bit rate connection 446 between the routing system 434 and the routing system 454 via the call link 442 based on the processing of the IAM.

[0030] The signaling processor 452 processes and transfers the IAM to the communication device 160. The signaling processor 452 then generates and transfers a control message to the routing system 454 to route the data call to the communication device 160 based on the processing of the IAM. Subsequent SS7 signaling messages related to call setup such as address complete messages are not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0031] The routing system 434 then receives the data call from the communication device 110. The data call between the communication device 110 and the routing system 434 could be made up of N×56K or N×64K connections identified by a session identification number. The routing system 434 processes the first instruction and sets up a constant bit rate connection 444 with the routing system 454 via the call link 442 based on the first instruction. The routing system 434 also routes the data call to the routing system 154 based on the first instruction. The routing system 434 processes the second instruction and sets up the variable bit rate connection 446 with the routing system 454 via the call link 442 based on the second instruction. The second instruction indicates the burst characteristics of the data call. The routing system 454 processes the control message and routes the call to the communication device 160 based on the control message.

[0032] During the data call, the available bandwidth could be increased or decreased within the variable bit rate connections 446. The signaling processor 432 generates a third instruction to the routing system 434 to alter the variable rate connections 446 based on the capacity needed for the data call. Thus, the bandwidth for the data call can be optimized so performance of other calls could improve with increased bandwidth.

[0033] The above-described processor logic can be comprised of instructions that are stored on storage media. The instructions can be retrieved and executed by a processor. Some examples of instructions are software, program code, and firmware. Some examples of storage media are memory devices, tape, disks, integrated circuits, and servers. The instructions are operational when executed by the processor to direct the processor to operate in accord with the invention. Those skilled in the art are familiar with instructions, processor, and storage media.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations of the above-described embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples and illustrations discussed above, but only by the following claims and their equivalents. 

We claim:
 1. A method of processing a user communication, the method comprising: in a processing system, receiving and processing telecommunication signaling for the user communication to determine a minimum bandwidth and a maximum bandwidth for the user communication; transferring control information indicating the minimum bandwidth and the maximum bandwidth for the user communication from the processing system; and in a routing system, receiving the control information and the user communication, and in response, transferring the user communication over a first communication path and a second communication path, wherein the first communication path supports the minimum bandwidth and the second communication path supports the maximum bandwidth.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: transferring other control information indicating another maximum bandwidth for the user communication from the processing system; and in the routing system, receiving the other control information, and in response, transferring the user communication over the second communication path to support the other maximum bandwidth.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the telecommunication signaling comprises an Initial Address Message.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the telecommunication signaling to determine the minimum bandwidth comprises processing a bearer capacity parameter of an initial address message to determine the minimum bandwidth.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the telecommunication signaling to determine the maximum bandwidth comprises processing burst characteristics for the user communication to determine the maximum bandwidth.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising, in the processing system, transferring other telecommunication signaling for the user communication to another processing system wherein the other telecommunication signaling indicates the minimum bandwidth and the maximum bandwidth.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the first communication path comprises a packet connection.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the second communication path comprises a packet connection.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the first communication path comprises a constant bit rate connection and the second communication path comprises a variable bit rate connection.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the first communication path comprises an asynchronous transfer mode connection and the second communication path comprises an asynchronous transfer mode connection.
 11. A communication system to process a user communication, the method comprising: a processing system configured to receive and process telecommunication signaling for the user communication to determine a minimum bandwidth and a maximum bandwidth for the user communication, and to transfer control information indicating the minimum bandwidth and the maximum bandwidth for the user communication; and a routing system configured to receive the control information and the user communication, and in response, transfer the user communication over a first communication path and a second communication path, wherein the first communication path supports the minimum bandwidth and the second communication path supports the maximum bandwidth.
 12. The communication system of claim 11 wherein: the processing system is configured to transfer other control information indicating another maximum bandwidth for the user communication; and the routing system is configured to receive the other control information, and in response, transfer the user communication over the second communication path to support the other maximum bandwidth.
 13. The communication system of claim 11 wherein the telecommunication signaling comprises an Initial Address Message.
 14. The communication system of claim 11 wherein the processing system is configured to process a bearer capacity parameter of an initial address message to determine the minimum bandwidth.
 15. The communication system of claim 11 wherein the processing system is configured to process burst characteristics for the user communication to determine the maximum bandwidth.
 16. The communication system of claim 11 wherein the processing system is configured to transfer other telecommunication signaling for the user communication to another processing system wherein the other telecommunication signaling indicates the minimum bandwidth and the maximum bandwidth.
 17. The communication system of claim 11 wherein the first communication path comprises a packet connection.
 18. The communication system of claim 11 wherein the second communication path comprises a packet connection.
 19. The communication system of claim 11 wherein the first communication path comprises a constant bit rate connection and the second communication path comprises a variable bit rate connection.
 20. The communication system of claim 11 wherein the first communication path comprises an asynchronous transfer mode connection and the second communication path comprises an asynchronous transfer mode connection. 